
The Right to Information Commission today (Tuesday July 2nd) issued a directive to the Department of Prisons to submit the conviction dates and case numbers of 20 convicted prisoners condemned to death for drug trafficking as contained in a list sent to President Maithripala Sirisena several months ago.
This was in response to two RTI appeals filed on an urgent basis invoking an imminent danger to life and liberty of citizens by the Colombo based Centre for Policy Alternatives and by journalist Malinda Seneviratne. The Department submitted that the release of the names could only be after consultation with the named prisoners as some might object to the release.
Both appellants also asked for the names of the four convicted prisoners reportedly singled out for execution as stated recently by President Maithripala Sirisena who said that he had ‘signed their death warrants.’ In addition, Mr Seneviratne also asked for Rules and Regulations issued by the Department of Prisons relating to prisoners on death row, inclusive of directives issued under Section 94 of the Prisons Ordinance. The relevant Rules were ordered to be released by RTI Commissioners Kishali Pinto-Jayawardena, Selvy Thiruchandran and SG Punchihewa.
The Commission heard these appeals out of the normal procedures stipulated under the RTI Act, extending the reach of Section 25(3) which calls for an urgent response ‘where the request for information concerns the life and personal liberty of a citizen.’
JD / July 2, 2019
RTI is too much. I think Drug Traffickers are paying NGO-Dollar kaakkas money to stop these things. Eve in G20 Drug menace had been discussed. China, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia and Singapore, they all execute those who Drug peddlers and those who consume drugs. Now, USA is going to implement Death sentence for Drug smugglers and probably drug pushers.
Sri lanka should talk about giving death sentence to Drug Pushers. that itself may be a deterrent.
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Radical Ideas / July 3, 2019
Sirisena or the more appropriate name would be to him is SORRY-SENA, as the entire nation is in a Sorry State due to SOB Sirisena’s Sory state of minds. What the bugger is trying demonstrate is that the GOVIGAMA RULING ELITES who are mechanizing all of these stunts, with total impunity, are capable of reversing anything totally upside down and there is absolutely nothing to stop them in this world, from their PSYCHOPATHIC actions. This is not the first time that SIRA went crazy and murderous. He is an absolute ALUGOSUWA (hangman) as that was why Mahinda handed over the killing machine during the last leg of the Ealam War 4 and Sira took it to the conclusion by killing scores of Tamil civillians including the killing of Prabhakaran’s little son. Such a cruel bastard is the Sira. He is surrounded by Killers, robbers, rapists, arsonists and horrendous criminals. Gnanasara’s release is yet another criminal act of Sira as he needed the Baboon to implement the War On Islam. Govigama Mafia is backing Sira to do their bidding in order to keep the country always in chaos….
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Anonymous / July 4, 2019
JD are you nuts!? Maithripala Sirisena is handing out Presidential Pardons to convicted criminals and subverting the law… if the legal system is allowed to function properly without any political interference no need of the death penalty.
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Roman Leslie / July 4, 2019
JD I agree with the Drug peddling and drug bosses should have severe punishment however the problem is the big bosses escapes it and only the minions are caught
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Good Sense / July 2, 2019
It is good that these questions are asked. First, the name of a woman condemned prisoner was talked of. At that time it is said that there were 13 condemned and unpardoned. The later lists record 20 and there is no indication of a woman prisoner. It is clear that all are playing games and dropping feelers. The idea is to provide “santhosam” if you want live. Why? You fellows earn quite a buck trading drugs while in prison. Why can’t I have a share of that? SO! Continue paying the ransom until you can’t then you will be HANGED by the neck until you are dead.
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Douglas / July 3, 2019
It is OK to ask for the list sent to President. If these “Civil Societies” need to know the “Names” of those “Convicted” and “Sentenced” to “Death” and on “What Offenses”, the proper place to be addressed would be the Courts Registrar. Again, I say, if these “Civil Societies” need to stop the “Implementation” of the Courts’ Directive, FIRST prevent or “Disrobe” Courts of this power to award this “Punishment” and such “Disrobing” could be made “Retroactive”. Are you ready to be FAIR by the VICTIMS of these “CRIMINALS”?
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K.Pillai / July 3, 2019
Before celebrating one must think laterally. What use is this information? Detract attention from urgent issues. Exploiters for political gain?
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Mano / July 4, 2019
AR’NT THE DRUG PEDDLERS ENTITLED TO THE RIGHTS OF UNFETTERED FREEDOM OF JUSTICE, WHEN SO MANY ARE ENJOYING THE WEALTH AND HEALTH OF STATE AND ENJOY STATE ROYAL WELCOME?
LET US BE GENEROUS IN SHARING OUR BUDU BALA DHARMA. EVENLY WITH ALL.
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Uncommon man / July 4, 2019
The Grama Sevaka has released several convicted criminals by granting a Presidential pardon. What is the criteria for executing these death row prisoners? How did he choose the first four? I am these must be Tamils or Muslims convicts. He doesn’t care as long as Sinhala Buddhists are not touched, as what happened in the Easter Sunday massacre.
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